Welcome to Darts Hill Garden
Darts Hill Garden is the result of over 70 years of work and dedication guided by the vision of Francisca Darts.
Darts Hill Garden is the result of over 70 years of work and dedication guided by the clear vision of Francisca Darts. Along with her husband Edwin, Francisca took a logged piece of land, turned it first into an award winning orchard and then into the unique garden that is Darts Hill today.
Francisca’s curiosity and love of the new and interesting has resulted in the most diverse collection of mature tree and shrub species in the Pacific Northwest. Many were planted from seed collected from around the world.
In 1994 Edwin and Francisca Darts donated their 7.5-acre garden to the City of Surrey and its citizens. Their intention was to give Surrey its own garden to be used as a horticultural centre for the preservation, enhancement, and development of plants. The non-profit Darts Hill Garden Conservancy Trust Society works in partnership with the City of Surrey towards these goals.
Darts Hill Garden Park awakens in April with an explosion of colour. The large collection of bulbs, perennials, shrubs, and trees provides blooms from early spring to late summer in an ever-changing palette, worthy of several visits. In 2020, you’ll have even more opportunities to visit Darts Hill with expanded openings and special events.
Public Openings. Explore the garden during our Garden Strolls, scheduled from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on most Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from April 3, 2020, to July 26, 2020. Before travelling to the Garden, please check our calendar for confirmation of openings and further information. The main pathways are gravel with inclines; they may be suitable for some wheelchair users.
During the spring and summer, the Garden also offers special openings, events, displays, and plant sales. On April 25, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., visit The City of Surrey’s special Get Growing Open House, featuring a plant sale, music, tours, and other activities. May 23, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. is also a special Open House, featuring plant sale, Master Gardeners, tours, and special displays. Throughout late April and May, you’ll see a unique garden art installation by Z.inc and Friends – Temporary Art Exhibition. In July, attend free music concerts offered through the City of Surrey’s popular Sounds of Summer series – July 10th and July 29th.
The Garden is closed to the public during most of August, but re-opens in the fall.
For DHGCTS Members Days please consult the calendar.
Memberships. To enjoy extended openings and the opportunity to fully enjoy and contribute to this exceptional plantsman’s garden, please consider the advantages of becoming a member. (Costs start at $20.) Learn more here.
Tours. For a truly customized experience, bring your own group of five or more for a two-hour Guided Tour, conducted by one of our experienced guides.
Pre-registration is required for all tours.Tour cost is $5 per person. Visit our tours section to learn all you need to know about booking a Darts Hill Tour.
Visiting with Children. Darts Hill Garden can be magical for children of all ages. They’ll enjoy exploring the winding mossy pathways, going through “tree tunnels,” and taking in the colours, sounds, and smells of the garden. They’ll observe the variety and unique features of plants from around the world, learn to recognize our own Pacific Coast native plants, see honeybees and mason bees at work, and perhaps see a rabbit or other creature that inhabits the garden. It’s a unique learning experience.
Parents are asked to supervise their children and teach them to stay on the pathways and respect the special plants in this garden. Bicycles, skateboards, soccer balls, and similar items are not permitted in the Heritage Garden at Darts Hill Garden Park. Secure bike racks are available for your use. Ride your bike to the garden!
Pets Policy. No pets please – only service animals, properly identified, are permitted in the garden.
Follow the Garden’s extraordinary history from its start in the 1940s to its donation to the City of Surrey.
Check out the details of our upcoming special events.
Become a volunteer – a wonderful place to spend some time – a gift to your community and yourself.
The Story of Darts Hill Garden Park
Books will also be available for purchase at Darts Hill
Garden Park on Plant Sale Days and some special events.